Epic Games is one of the most influential powerhouses in the gaming industry today. While many know them as the creators of Fortnite or the owners of the Epic Games Store, the company has a rich history spanning over three decades.
Founded by Tim Sweeney in 1991 (originally as Potomac Computer Systems), Epic has evolved from a small indie developer into a global titan. Here is a breakdown of the most significant games Epic Games has made.
1. The Early Years (Epic MegaGames Era)
In the 1990s, the company operated under the name Epic MegaGames. During this time, they focused on shareware games for the PC.
- ZZT (1991): The game that started it all. It was a text-based adventure game that included a world editor, allowing users to create their own stages—a precursor to Epic’s focus on developer tools.
- Jazz Jackrabbit (1994): Often described as the PC’s answer to Sonic the Hedgehog, this fast-paced platformer featured a green rabbit and became a cult classic.
- Epic Pinball (1993): One of the most successful pinball simulators of the era, showcasing the studio’s ability to polish arcade-style experiences.
- One Must Fall: 2097 (1994): A 2D fighting game featuring giant robots, which was highly praised for its depth and progression system.
2. The Unreal Revolution
In 1998, Epic changed the gaming landscape forever with the release of Unreal. Not only was it a graphical powerhouse, but it also birthed the Unreal Engine, which is now used by thousands of developers worldwide.
- Unreal (1998): A first-person shooter (FPS) known for its breathtaking environments and advanced AI.
- Unreal Tournament (1999): Shifting focus to multiplayer, “UT” became one of the kings of the “arena shooter” genre, rivaling Quake III Arena. It spawned several sequels, including UT2003, UT2004, and Unreal Tournament 3.
3. The Gears of War Era (2006–2013)
In the mid-2000s, Epic Games partnered with Microsoft to create a flagship franchise for the Xbox 360.
- Gears of War (1-3 and Judgment): This series popularized the “cover-based shooter” mechanic. With its gritty atmosphere and “chainsaw bayonets,” Gears became a multi-billion dollar franchise. Epic eventually sold the rights to the IP to Microsoft in 2014, but their work on the original trilogy remains legendary.
4. Mobile Innovation and Experimental Projects
Epic has never been afraid to experiment with new platforms and genres.
- Infinity Blade Trilogy (2010–2013): Developed by Epic’s subsidiary Chair Entertainment, this series redefined what mobile gaming graphics could look like on the iPhone, using Unreal Engine 3.
- Shadow Complex (2009): A modern “Metroidvania” style game that received critical acclaim for its exploration and combat.
- Paragon (2016): Epic’s attempt at a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena). While it had stunning graphics, it struggled to find an audience and was eventually shut down to focus resources on Fortnite.
5. The Global Phenomenon: Fortnite
No discussion of Epic Games is complete without Fortnite.
- Fortnite: Save the World (2017): Originally announced in 2011, it was a cooperative survival game about building forts to fight off “husks.”
- Fortnite Battle Royale (2017): Seeing the success of PUBG, Epic created a free-to-play Battle Royale mode in just two months. It became a global cultural phenomenon, evolving into a “metaverse” that hosts concerts, movie trailers, and massive collaborations.
6. Modern Acquisitions
While Epic didn’t develop these games from scratch, they now own and manage them through studio acquisitions:
- Rocket League: Developed by Psyonix, which Epic acquired in 2019.
- Fall Guys: Developed by Mediatonic, which Epic acquired in 2021.
Conclusion
From the ASCII graphics of ZZT to the world-dominating Fortnite, Epic Games has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology. Whether through their own hit titles or by providing the Unreal Engine to other creators, Epic’s DNA is woven into the fabric of almost every corner of the gaming world.